How does a city once bustling become a ghost town? From a social hotspot to the biblical equivalent of being left unread.
A reminder that this complete Old Testament Service & Sermon is yours free just by becoming a member of our Skool Group. Click the Membership Link and Join for Free to get this Sermon.
Section 1. Welcome and Announcements
Welcome
Hey everyone! It’s so great to see you all here today. It truly warms my heart to see so many of you ready to connect with God and each other. Let’s open our hearts and minds to what God has in store for us today!
Announcements
- Small Group Sign-Ups: Don’t forget, sign-ups for our fall small groups are happening at the Welcome Center after the service. This is a fantastic way to build deeper friendships and grow in your faith together!
- Community Outreach Event: Next Saturday, we’re partnering with the local food bank. We need volunteers to help pack and distribute food. It’s a great opportunity to show God’s love in a practical way.
- Building Fund Update: We’re making great progress on the new children’s ministry wing! Thank you for your generous giving. Every little bit helps us create a space where kids can learn about Jesus.
Section 2. Call to Worship
Leader: How lonely lies the city, once full of people.
People: We come with hearts that know sorrow, longing for God’s mercy.
Leader: Judah has fallen, her strength is gone, her glory faded.
People: Yet we turn to the One who never forsakes His people.
Leader: In the midst of grief, God calls us back to His presence.
People: We lift our eyes to Him, for His compassion never fails.
Leader: Come, let us worship the Lord who restores the brokenhearted.
All: We come to seek His mercy, His comfort, and His hope.
Section 3. Opening Prayer
Prayer
Father, we come before you today with open hearts, ready to receive your love and guidance. As we reflect on the words of Lamentations, help us to understand your compassion, even in times of sorrow and hardship. Speak to our hearts today, Lord, and fill us with your peace and hope. Amen.
Section 4. Praise and Worship
Introduction
Now, let’s lift our voices together in praise! Let the words of these songs express the gratitude and love we have for our amazing God. Whether it’s a familiar hymn or a new melody, let’s sing with all our hearts!
Section 5. Scripture Reading
Introduction
Today, we’re going to be looking at a powerful passage from the book of Lamentations, chapter 1, verses 1 through 6. This is a book of mourning, written during a very difficult time for the people of Israel.
Events
These verses describe the devastation and sorrow that fell upon Jerusalem after its destruction. It talks about the city being deserted, like a widow, and the people being taken into exile. It’s a picture of immense loss and grief.
Note: Here your Music Team can do the first and second Verses of “On the Willows” from the Musical Godspell which talks is taken from Psalm 137 about sadness of these events. There is a Musical Interlude after the 2nd Verse where the Scripture can be read. Then the finale reprise can be sung at the end of the scripture reading.
Lamentations 1:1-6 (NIV)
How deserted lies the city, once so full of people! How like a widow is she, who once was great among the nations! She who was queen among the provinces has now become a slave.
Bitterly she weeps at night, with tears streaming down her cheeks; among all her lovers there is no one to comfort her. All her friends have betrayed her; they have become her enemies.
After affliction and harsh labor, Judah has gone into exile. She dwells among the nations; she finds no resting place. All who pursue her have overtaken her in the midst of her distress.
The roads to Zion mourn, for no one comes to her appointed festivals; all her gateways are desolate, her priests groan, her young women grieve, and she is in bitter anguish.
Her foes have become her masters; her enemies are at ease. For the Lord has brought her grief because of her many sins. Her children have gone into exile, driven away by the enemy.
Section 6. Pastoral Prayer or Intercessory Prayer
Intercessory Prayer
Lord, we lift up to you those who are experiencing loss, grief, and hardship in their lives today. Just as the people of Jerusalem felt abandoned and alone, there are many among us who feel the same way. Comfort them, Lord. Provide for them. Remind them that they are not forgotten and that you are with them in their pain. Lord hear our Prayers.
Section 7. Offering
Message
Giving our tithes and offerings is more than just paying the bills; it’s an act of worship. It’s a way of saying, “God, I trust you. Everything I have comes from you, and I want to honor you with my resources.”
Prayer
Father, we thank you for the blessings you’ve poured out upon us. We dedicate these gifts back to you, asking that you would use them to further your kingdom and bless those in need. May our giving be a true act of worship, pleasing in your sight. Amen.
Section 8. Special Music
Introduction
Now, let’s welcome our choir as they share a special song with us. May their voices and music uplift your spirits and draw you closer to God.
Bring This Sermon to Life: The Full Teaching and Tools
Gain Access to the Complete Short Powerful Sermon
Section 9. Free Bible Study!
“Feeling Lost & Alone? How Ancient Tears Can Water Your Soul”
When Tears Tell the Truth
Hey friend, let me share something with you. We all go through times when life feels like a desert. We feel lost, alone, and like no one understands. I remember when I first started Saddleback, there were days I felt completely overwhelmed, like I was wandering in the wilderness. Those were some tough times. But you know what I discovered? It’s in those moments of raw honesty, when we allow ourselves to feel the pain, that God can really start to work in our hearts.
The book of Lamentations is like that. It’s a raw, honest cry from the heart of a people who had lost everything. They were hurting, confused, and didn’t understand why God had allowed such devastation. It’s okay to feel those emotions! God isn’t afraid of our tears. In fact, sometimes our tears are the only way to water the dry places in our souls so that new life can grow.
This Bible study isn’t just about understanding a historical event; it’s about finding God’s comfort and hope in the midst of your own struggles. It’s about learning that even in our darkest moments, God is still there, still loving us, and still working for our good.
Your Path to Hope Starts Here (Free!)
I want to give you something special today. I’ve prepared a Bible study guide based on Lamentations 1:1-6, designed to help you dig deeper into this powerful passage and find God’s message of hope for your life. It’s absolutely free because I believe God wants to speak to you in a special way.
This Bible study is packed with questions to help you reflect on your own experiences, connect with God’s Word, and discover practical ways to apply these ancient truths to your modern life. It’s a gift from my heart to yours, because I believe that together, we can find strength and hope, even in the toughest times.
And there’s more! When you get this study guide, you’ll also get my personal email address and have the opportunity to join our FREE, encouraging email community. I call it my “Inner Circle,” and I’m so excited for you to be there!
Purchase The Complete Sermon Here Only: $4.99
The God’s Grace Prayer: May Jesus shower his Grace and Love Upon you and your family during this unique season in our lives, and may you be strengthened and filled with hope. Amen.
The Following Sections 10. Outline, 11. The Sermon & 12. Final Thoughts are Paid Content:
Get This Complete Sermon Now! Only: $4.99
